"The result is the same," Lucian said. "We can't trust them. Any of them. The second branch wants to use you to break a curse you didn't create. And if you refuse...or if you fail...they'll eliminate you to protect themselves."
"Maybe," Lilith said. "Or maybe some of them genuinely want to help. Maybe there are factions within the second branch who see value in alliance instead of conflict."
"You're being naive," Sebastian said.
The word hit like a slap.
Lilith felt something hot and sharp flare in her chest. "Excuse me?"
"Naive," Sebastian repeated. "You're looking for the best in people who have made it very clear they see you as either a tool or a threat. That's dangerous, Lilith. That's how you get manipulated or killed."
"I'm not naive," Lilith said. Her voice was cold now. "I'm trying to be strategic. Trying to consider all our options instead of just rejecting everything out of fear."
"Fear?" Lucian's eyes flashed. "You think we're afraid?"
